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Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) can induce severe and debilitating neurological problems that include behavioral abnormalities, motor dysfunction and frank dementia. After infiltrating peripheral immune competent cells, in particular macrophages, HIV-1 provokes a neuropathological response involving all cell types in the brain. HIV-1 also incites activation of chemokine receptors, inflammatory mediators, extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes and glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity, all of which can trigger numerous downstream signaling pathways and disrupt neuronal and glial function. This review will discuss recently uncovered pathologic neuroimmune and degenerative mechanisms contributing to neuronal damage induced by HIV-1 and potential approaches for development of future therapeutic intervention.Cell Death and Differentiation (2005) 12, 878–892. doi:10.1038/sj.cdd.4401623 Published online 15 April 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

nProvides information on a study showing that severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice inoculated intracerebrally (IC) with HIV-infected human monocytes developed brain pathology similar to that in humans with HIV encephalitis. Methodology used to conduct the study; Indepth look at the preparation of brain tissue and immunostaining; Results of study.